Dodgers Rumors: Manny, Nomar, Lowe, Penny, Kent

Nomar Garciaparra is undecided about playing next year. He hit .264/.326/.466 in 181 plate appearances in 2008 while earning $8.5MM.

Manager Joe Torre seems to consider pitching the top offseason priority. Makes sense, with the statuses of Derek Lowe and Brad Penny in question. Hernandez’s sources say Lowe felt underappreciated during his time in L.A., and he is expected to leave. It’s unknown whether the Dodgers will choose Penny’s $9.25MM option or the $2MM buyout.

Hernandez doesn’t see GM Ned Colletti breaking up his core group of young players to acquire Jake Peavy.

The departure of Jeff Kent is near-certain Blake DeWitt can step in at second or third base.

The Manny situation is difficult, because the Dodgers will take a lot of heat if they won’t meet his asking price (perhaps $100MM+). Former Dodgers GM Fred Claire suggests a more reasonable offer of three years, $60MM.